Ground beef casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy nights. With tender ground beef, veggies, and melted cheese, this easy dish is both satisfying and family-friendly. It’s a one-pan meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
Why We Love This Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole is the ultimate comfort food, and here’s why it quickly becomes a family favorite:
- Hearty and Satisfying: With a base of savory ground beef and vegetables, this casserole is packed with filling ingredients that will leave everyone at the table satisfied. It’s a great way to get your protein and veggies in one dish!
- Simple and Quick: The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious, homemade meal ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Cleaning up is a breeze because this dish is baked in one pan. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Customizable: This casserole is super versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap in different cheeses, or even spice it up with some chili flakes or herbs. It’s a blank canvas for whatever flavor profile you love.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Ground beef casserole also stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for leftovers. It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Casserole
Ground Beef: The main protein, providing a hearty flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Quick and easy for added nutrition.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For a melty, cheesy finish.
Cooked Pasta: Helps make the casserole filling.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients.
Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor.
Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of herbal flavor.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Instructions for Ground Beef Casserole
Making this ground beef casserole is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
Sauté onions in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Mix cooked beef, onions, frozen veggies, pasta, soup, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Casserole
To make sure your ground beef casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips that will elevate your dish and make the cooking process even easier.
Brown the Beef Properly: When cooking ground beef, make sure it’s browned evenly. This adds rich flavor and ensures you’re getting the best texture. Use a spatula to break the beef into smaller pieces while it cooks, allowing it to cook through and brown on all sides.
Drain the Fat: After browning the beef, drain any excess fat. This will prevent your casserole from being too greasy and ensure a better flavor balance with the other ingredients.
Use Frozen Vegetables for Convenience: Frozen mixed vegetables are a time-saver and work perfectly in this casserole. They’re pre-cut and ready to go, saving you from having to chop up fresh veggies. Plus, they hold their texture and flavor well in the baking process.
Cheese Selection: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like mozzarella for a gooier texture or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor complexity. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before baking to achieve that perfectly melted, golden crust.
Layering for Even Cooking: When mixing the casserole ingredients, make sure everything is well combined and spread evenly in the baking dish. This ensures that every bite has a balance of beef, vegetables, pasta, and cheese. If you’re adding any extra ingredients, like additional veggies or cheese, layer them on top for a beautiful finish.
Adjusting Seasonings: Taste your casserole mixture before adding it to the baking dish. If you want more flavor, you can adjust the garlic powder and oregano or even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to make sure it’s seasoned just right.
Make Ahead and Freeze: If you want to save time for later, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. It’s a perfect solution for meal prepping or when you want to have a homemade meal ready to go on a busy day.
Variations of Ground Beef Casserole
Ground beef casserole is a wonderfully versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are some variations you can try to switch things up or match your personal tastes:
Swap the Protein: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can easily switch it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option. Each one brings a different flavor profile but still makes for a hearty casserole.
Add More Veggies: If you want to pack in more vegetables, try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix. They’ll blend seamlessly with the other ingredients and add even more nutrition and flavor.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also stir in a tablespoon of taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist.
Serving Suggestions for Ground Beef Casserole
Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to complement the cheesy and savory casserole. Its crispy texture and rich flavor provide a satisfying contrast to the creamy filling, making every bite irresistible.
A Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, fresh salad balances out the richness of the casserole. Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions, then dress it with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing, crunchy side that enhances the entire meal.
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FAQs for Ground Beef Casserole
How do I store leftover ground beef casserole?
Storing leftovers is simple! Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until hot.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Ground beef casserole is very versatile. You can add in extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to chop them small and cook them with the beef to release excess moisture before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Can I use a different type of meat in the casserole?
Of course! You can easily swap out the ground beef for other types of meat like ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy a new variation of this comforting dish.
How do I make the casserole spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. You could also try mixing in some hot sauce or spicy cheese to kick it up a notch.
ground beef casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta like elbow macaroni or penne
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. This will bring out its natural sweetness and flavor.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, frozen mixed vegetables, cooked pasta, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. For extra cheesy goodness, you can add a bit more cheese if desired.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve and enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish it with fresh parsley for a touch of color, but it’s just as delicious on its own!